Saving You, Villain - Chapter 90

Haah, it’s all my fault.

Liv’s health had deteriorated so much that she had become as sensitive as a ticking time bomb. Just like in the previous four cycles of reincarnation, her deepening depression could push her to make a terrible decision at any moment.

From Rainer’s perspective, her son was far too soft when it came to Liv. It was hard to believe this was the same man who had once wiped out entire races in the human realm. Camian couldn’t bear to see Liv suffer or even be in pain, not even a little. Meanwhile, Liv, convinced that Camian would go on a rampage if he cared too much for her, was struggling with her anxiety, unaware of his overwhelming affection. How much more anxious and desperate must she have felt, seeing Camian’s blind devotion despite her efforts to distance him?

Unable to watch any longer, Rainer rolled up her sleeves and stepped in. For Liv to feel at ease, she had to believe that Camian’s affections were directed at someone else. Rainer took on the role of that “someone else.”

Camian, too, had noticed that Liv’s expression grew darker whenever she looked at him. Agreeing, at least in part, with Rainer’s approach, Camian began spending more time with her.

“Let go, ugh! Are you trying to kill me again…?”

When Camian finally let go, Rainer collapsed to the floor, coughing and glaring at him with a flushed face.

But Camian ignored his father’s hateful stare, his gaze shifting to the darkened view outside the window. It was a full moon tonight. He hurried toward the door, but Rainer stopped him with a biting remark.

“Don’t go scaring your precious master again by acting on those disgusting feelings of yours. Keep it together.”

“I’ll handle it. Stay out of it.”

“If she sees your face right now, she’ll drop dead from a heart attack!”

Camian didn’t reply, instead tearing the door off its hinges and hurling it at Rainer. Crash! If Rainer hadn’t dodged quickly, the door—thrown with enough brute force—would’ve smashed into her face instead of the wall.

Liv’s mind was hazy, teetering between reality and dreams. Even with her eyes open, everything felt like a blur. She stared blankly at the wood-colored walls, and suddenly, a memory of sharp teeth sinking into her neck flashed in her mind.

“Ugh, my head…”

She jolted upright in bed but immediately collapsed back down, dizzy. The room spun around her, and she waited for the white haze clouding her vision to clear.

Had she told Camian about Luke yesterday? She remembered muttering something, but Camian hadn’t seemed to listen properly. He had been more focused on feeding, almost rushing through the act.

“…”

Her stomach churned with discomfort, and a wave of heat surged to her eyes. She ignored it, gently rubbing her chest to soothe the growing nausea.

“What time is it…?”

Sunlight streamed softly into the room, casting a warm glow. The frost still clung to the window, indicating it wasn’t too late in the day. Slowly, she managed to sit up again, this time bracing herself against the wall until the dizziness passed.

“Stupid body…”

Feeling like a broken-down machine, she dragged herself down to the first floor. When she reached the dining area, she hesitated upon seeing the broad figure sitting at the table.

“Liv, what are you doing just standing there? Come sit,” called Debra.

“Yes…”

Liv finally moved her legs and sat down diagonally across from Camian. Debra, observing her closely, cast a glance at Camian before speaking again, pretending not to notice the tension.

“Why haven’t you washed up yet?”

“Oh… I was going to do that after breakfast.”

“Well, you’d better hurry up then.”

“Yes.”

An awkward silence descended over the table. Debra occasionally tried to spark conversation between Liv and Camian, but none of the exchanges lasted long.

Normally, Liv would have hated the heavy atmosphere and tried to lighten things with cheerful chatter. But today, she was too drained—physically and emotionally. Simply sitting there, pretending not to notice Camian’s cold demeanor, and holding a spoon felt like more than she could handle.

She didn’t speak to Camian at all during breakfast, but when he later carried her on his back, she finally called out to him softly.

“Camian.”

“I’m listening. Go ahead.”

“Do you remember what I said yesterday?”

“…”

“I’m not joking around, so listen seriously to what I’m about to say.”

Liv proceeded to explain everything she had learned about Luke, including the fact that Luke had taken her blood. She confessed that her carelessness in consuming the magical herbs had given Luke the chance to discover that her blood was Camian’s weakness.

She revealed everything, fearing that if she hid the truth, she might face even worse consequences. But despite her worries, Camian didn’t snap at her. In fact, he didn’t even respond.

“Camian, did you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“…Why aren’t you mad at me?”

“……”

“I was careless and put you in danger because of my stupidity.”

Camian remained silent. Was he suppressing his anger, or did he find speaking to me so repulsive that he couldn’t even bring himself to respond? My already crumbling self-esteem only sank further, painfully gnawing at my insides.

Before I knew it, we had reached the hill where I always counted to 100. As I prepared to dismount from his back and begin my counting ritual, Camian, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke.

“Just endure a little longer. Just once.”

“What do you mean?”

It seemed like he was about to say more, but then he hesitated and turned away. I stared blankly at his retreating figure. I could be mistaken, but his face had looked… frightened.

“Camian.”

I called his name softly, my voice tinged with a growing unease that seemed to grip my throat.

Throughout the lecture, I couldn’t focus. Despite the professor calling my name several times to get my attention, I remained distracted. Finally, Tessa, seated next to me, intervened.

“Professor, Liv seems unwell today,” she said, providing an excuse for me. I couldn’t even muster a proper thank you.

My mind was consumed with one thought: I have to protect Camian.

Suddenly, it struck me that I still had the key to Luke’s lab. The realization felt like a ray of light piercing through the dark clouds that had shrouded my thoughts. I also remembered that I had Luke’s lecture schedule. I could search his lab while he was occupied with teaching.

If I could find my blood in his lab, that would be ideal, but it seemed unlikely he would leave such a critical weakness out in the open. My real target was that book, Killing Demons. Maybe it contained a way to protect Camian.

Fortunately, Luke had lectures all afternoon today. I had no time to waste and no room for hesitation.

“Tessa.”

Tessa propped her chin up with a frown, glancing at me.

“I know you’re really upset because of your fight with Camian, but don’t leave your brain behind.”

I hadn’t said anything about a fight with Camian, so how did she know? She had sharp instincts, I had to give her that. But now wasn’t the time to marvel at her perceptiveness.

“I need a favor.”

Tessa raised an eyebrow.

“What is it?”

“After this lecture, can you pretend we’re going to the library together?”

Tessa glanced at Camian, who was sitting in the front row, and let out a sarcastic laugh.

“Even when you fight, the jealousy is still there, huh? Fine, I’ll help.”

“Thanks.”

“But where are you really going? Don’t tell me…”

Tessa’s eyes widened, and she grimaced as if she had realized something terrible.

“Are you cheating on him behind his back?”

“…”

“I know Camian’s been cold to you lately, but you can’t do that. You’re too dense to notice, but he’s still watching you all the time, even pretending not to care. His undying love for you hasn’t changed.”

None of what she said was true. Tessa had a sharp intuition but not the brightest mind. Camian’s heart had long since drifted away from me, and I wasn’t capable of loving anyone else but him.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? You’re not really cheating, are you?”

But what did it matter? I had no future left anyway. Let her think whatever she wanted. I didn’t even bother correcting her, and Tessa’s face twisted in shock.

“You… You… Fine. I’ll help you because you’re my friend, but mark my words, you’ll regret this.”

I offered her a bitter smile in response.

Thanks to Tessa, I managed to leave without arousing too much suspicion from Camian and headed to Luke’s lab.

My mouth felt dry as I approached the door. Before inserting the key into the lock, I knocked. If I heard any noise, I’d run away, but luckily, no one answered. I took a deep breath and inserted the key.

Click. The lock opened. The moment I stepped inside, I froze. Luke’s lab was a complete mess. Had someone else broken in before me? But then again, the gold-plated nameplate still hung on the wall, so nothing valuable had been stolen.

“I don’t have time to waste.”

I quickly rifled through the bookshelves. Finding Killing Demons was easier than expected. Its stark black cover and blood-red letters stood out even among the chaotic piles of books. I clutched the heavy book in my hands, ready to leave, but something crunched under my foot.

It was a letter, sealed with a golden emblem. I picked it up, setting the book aside for a moment. The letter had no sender listed, but the recipient was clearly written in neat handwriting: Luke Florence.

Of course, it made sense for the letter to be addressed to Luke, given that it was found in his lab.

“What could it be?”

I didn’t want to miss any potential clues. After setting the book down, I flipped through the scattered papers on the floor. I found documents detailing the basics of swordsmanship, attendance records, and pages filled with Luke’s meticulous notes on the strengths and weaknesses of various students.

A strange feeling washed over me as I looked at the records. Although Luke had been seemingly forced into his role as a swordsmanship instructor in this rural town, he didn’t take his job lightly. His notes showed that he paid close attention to each student, guiding them with care and precision. The line between good and evil suddenly felt blurred.

“What are you looking for?”

A voice broke the silence.